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Project

Photobiomodulation therapy for the management of cancer therapy-related side effects (R-11998)

Notwithstanding the continuous progress in cancer treatment, patients with cancer still have to cope with several quality of life (QoL) - impairing complications. Via the HELP project, we will try to HELP patients with cancer to tackle two side effects of the cancer treatment, namely (1) breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) and (2) hand-foot syndrome (HFS). (1) BCRL is characterized by progressive swelling of the upper limbs of the body and chronic tissue inflammation. Patients with breast cancer suffer from BCRL due to damage or dysfunction of the lymphatic system after surgical dissection of the lymph nodes and/or radiotherapy. Patients with BCRL suffer from pain, heaviness, tightness, and a decreased range of motion. BCRL can significantly impede the patient's daily activities, leading to psychological and social problems, diminished mobility and impaired QoL. To date, the standard of care for treatment of BCRL is complex decongestive therapy (CDT), but the efficacy is limited. (2) HFS is a side effect of chemotherapy, mostly used for metastasized cancer. HFS is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet, which can progress to blistering. It is a painful complication that can lead to compromised daily activities, sleep-wake disturbance and impaired mobility, eventually decreasing QoL. To date, effective preventive and treatment strategies for both cancer-treatment-related side-effects are still lacking. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a non-invasive therapy based on the application of visible and/or near-infrared light produced by a laser diode (LD) or a light-emitting diode (LED). The scientifically proven biologic effects of PBM are improved wound healing and a reduction in pain, inflammation, and oedema. Limited scientific evidence is available demonstrating the potential positive effect of PBMT managing BCRL and HFS. The general aim of the HELP project is to study the efficacy of PBMT for both BCRL and HFS in patients with cancer.
Date:1 Sep 2021 →  Today
Keywords:adverse events, oncology, Photobiomodulation
Disciplines:Cancer biology, Cancer diagnosis, Cancer prevention, Cancer therapy, Oncology not elsewhere classified